There's a delicate balance I have learned that I must maintain in order to successfully live with the disorder. Too much negative stimuli and I plummit into the deepest, darkest pit of despair imaginable. Too much positive and I soar through the clouds with no limits on how high I can fly. Until the flipside hits. I'm learning to not allow myself to become involved with too much at once. One thing at a time. One day at a time. One cycle at a time. Not really sure why I'm posting this but I am.

Ry

[nothemama8]

Because you care dearheart, because you care
Angie

Thanks sweetie. Thanks.

So how does everyone else manage to maintain balance? What things help you stay level? When you do cycle, what helps minimize your moods and backlashes? I'm not cycling right now so don't get me wrong. I'd just like to get to know all of you better and see what kinds of things help yall deal with everyday bipolar life.

Ry

[TgrsPurr]

Hey Ryan, you have brought up an excellent issue, one I feel very strong about and do for myself in my life.

First of all, I limit my contact to ppl who know and understand that I have an illness...going to parties and arena's and concerts is not okay for me...but may be for you.

I maintain my home as a very sacred place. I very rarely have ppl in my space, with the exception of my bf whom loves me and I feel very comfortable with.

Next, is health, regular exercise, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, taking vitamins, especially Omega 3 supplements...research has been done to prove the validity of this tx in controlling bp, but you need take it high doses, 5mg per day at least. They leave a bit of nasty taste in your throat, but if you get the "good" stuff, top shelf, that won't happen, but they are more expensive. I also believe that narcotics are out of the question. Too much influence on how your feeling. Nor do I drink, socialy or otherwise.

I read a lot about the things that interest me, to keep my mind occupied. I'm wanting to write a murder mystery novel, so I'm studying the forensic sciences, but this is just my personal choice.

Music can affect ones moods too. I know you love, love, love your music, but it is for that very reason it may upset your balance. So be consciencious of that.

I go to bed and get up the same time everday. I have terrible insomnia, cycling or not. But I still go to bed, get up if I have to in the night to take my mind off not being able to sleep and then go back to bed. I still get up at the same time, regardless of how much sleep I got. Keeping a regular routine in your life is also essential.

Okay, I'm sorry, I've gone on long enough. But this is something I've put a lot of time effort and energy into, there is a learning curve. But I've no doubt you can do this for yourself. It is a gift to yourself. TgrsPurr, xo

((((((((((Tgrs))))))))))

You could never go on too long for me. I read every word with a completely open mind. Thank you for all your suggestions and advise. You're right about my music. I have to be careful what I listen to cause certain songs or styles of music can set me off. So in order to live with my music, I have to chose my selections wisely according to my mood. Thanks again for all your advise. It certainly didn't fall on deaf ears.

Ry

[goofygirl]

Wow... that really makes sense to me... maybe, just maybe, I can give it a whirl. Life has been so chaotic, so up in the air. Maybe a routine would help to ease it all up off my back.

Thank you, Ry!! ((((hugs)))) for the great idea!

YW, goofy, but Tgrspurr is the routine maker. I'm anything but routine. Tgrs, your advise is awesome. I'm gonna hafta make a routine when I get home to Texas.

Ry